Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

“Cruising the Intracoastal in this area is one of the prettiest things to do in a boat.” Whether it’s the waterways of Orange Beach at dusk (above) or the open waves of the Gulf of Mexico off the Emerald Coast (right), the freedom of maritime adventure awaits you. B OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP BY JACK GARDNER, YACHT COURTESY OF GALATI YACHTS; CENTER COURTESY OF THE WHARF; BOTTOM BY FRANKLIN VIOLA. THIS PAGE: ABOVE BY BRIAN GAUVIN, RIGHT COURTESY OF GALATI YACHTS. But many prefer remaining in the relative calm and warmth of the upper Gulf. Jim credits “Southern hospitality” as making this section of the ICW such a popular boating destination. Jim calls the dockage affordable and the seafood excellent. Besides, “the marina owners have their arms open wide. You just don’t have a bad experience.” Jim, who is also a marine surveyor, has met boaters at these docks who come from Canada, Colorado, and California. They typically fly to a coastal town, buy a boat, and start their adventure. Captain Eric Sass can fix them up with anything they want, ranging from relatively modest $100,000 starters to luxury yachts for $10 million and more. As a broker for Galati Yacht Sales in Destin, he says both locals and people from around the country come here for a unique experience. “Cruising the Intracoastal in this area is one of the prettiest things to do in a boat,” says Eric, who has cruised from Panama to Nova Scotia and across the Atlantic. “You see everything from canals and estuaries to wide bays. You can see alligators and every type of fowl. You can really get to the old coast.” And between the Spanish-moss old coast and the blindingwhite confectionary beaches are these homeports, with cruisers enjoying a unique perspective of all facets of the Gulf. What would we see if we peeked inside one of those marina yachts? Eric says a boat technically becomes a yacht when it reaches 60 feet. But craft size doesn’t necessarily indicate interior luxury. Boats vary as much as individual homes and priorities. Anglers can spend $200,000 just on sport fishing technology, Eric says. But there are some common denominators in the new sales market. Everyone wants similar finishes to what they have at home, with granite countertops and galley-customized stainless steel appliances, like Sub-Zero, under-counter drawer freezers and in-counter dishwashers. Wine coolers, TV-tracking satellites, separate showers, high-end bath finishes, and even marble floors are becoming standard. Most ICW boats average 50 feet in length, Jimmy says. But marina craft do vary. Spring 2008 55

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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